Podzol soil

• Acidic mor humus


  Created by slow decomposition due to low temperatures
• Downward leaching of iron and aluminium


  1. More precipitation than evaporation causes

  2. Creates an iron pan between the A/B horizons

  3. Impedes drainage, causing waterlogging
• Ash-grey colour


  Created by eluviation
• Reddish-brown colour


  Created by illuviation
• Steep land


  Further encourages leaching
• Limited organisms


  • Due to the lack of oxygen caused by waterlogging
• Lack of organisms


  Means limited mixing of the horizons
• Sandstone


  Broken down quickly, creating a sandy texture with poor drainage
• Distinct horizon


  • Roots of trees do not reach this deep, so the rock is not broken up by them
• Coniferous needles


  Slowly decomposed due to their waxy coating
• Shallow roots


  • Limited recycling of nutrients
  • Limited absorption of leached minerals